Larry Holmes: The Easton Assassin

Larry Holmes: The Easton Assassin

Early life

Larry Holmes was born on November 3, 1949, in Easton, Pennsylvania. He was the fourth of 12 children born to John and Flossie Holmes. Holmes' father was a steelworker, and his mother was a homemaker.
Holmes had a difficult childhood. His family was poor, and he was often bullied at school. He dropped out of school in the seventh grade to help support his family.

Amateur boxing career

Holmes began boxing at the age of 19. He had a successful amateur career, winning the 1972 National AAU heavyweight championship. He also competed in the 1972 Olympic Trials, but lost to Duane Bobick in the quarterfinals.

Professional boxing career
Holmes turned professional in 1973. He won his first 48 fights, including victories over Ken Norton, Earnie Shavers, and Muhammad Ali. In 1978, he defeated WBC heavyweight champion Leon Spinks to win the title.
Holmes defended the WBC title 17 times, a record at the time. He defeated a number of top contenders, including Gerry Cooney, Randall Cobb, and Tim Witherspoon. In 1983, he also won the IBF heavyweight title by defeating Michael Dokes.

Holmes lost the WBC title to Michael Spinks in 1985. He regained the title in 1986, but lost it again to Mike Tyson in 1988. Holmes retired from boxing in 2002.

Some of Holmes's most notable fights

• Larry Holmes vs. Muhammad Ali (1980)

Holmes defeated Ali by a unanimous decision in 10 rounds. This fight was for the WBC heavyweight title.

• Larry Holmes vs. Ken Norton (1982)

Holmes defeated Norton by a split decision in 15 rounds. This fight was for the WBC heavyweight title.

• Larry Holmes vs. Earnie Shavers (1983)

Holmes defeated Shavers by a unanimous decision in 12 rounds. This fight was for the WBC heavyweight title.

• Larry Holmes vs. Gerry Cooney (1984)

Holmes defeated Cooney by a technical knockout in the 13th round. This fight was for the WBC heavyweight title.

• Larry Holmes vs. Michael Spinks (1985)

Spinks defeated Holmes by a split decision in 15 rounds. This fight was for the WBC heavyweight title.

• Larry Holmes vs. Mike Tyson (1988)

Tyson defeated Holmes by a fourth-round knockout. This fight was for the WBC, WBA, and IBF heavyweight titles.

Legacy

Holmes is considered one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1998.
Holmes is known for his jab, which was considered one of the best in boxing history. He was also a skilled boxer, and was able to outbox his opponents.
Holmes was a controversial figure during his career. He was often criticized for his lack of charisma, and for his outspokenness.
However, Holmes is a respected figure in the boxing world. He is considered one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time, and his legacy will continue to be debated for years to come.

Personal life

Holmes has been married three times. He has four children.
Holmes is a devout Christian. He is also a philanthropist, and has donated money to several charities.
Holmes is a successful businessman. He owns several businesses, including a real estate company and a clothing line.
Holmes is an avid golfer. He also enjoys fishing and hunting.
Holmes is a controversial figure, but he is also a respected figure in the boxing world. He is considered one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time, and his legacy will continue to be debated for years to come.

Holmes's impact on boxing

Holmes had a significant impact on boxing. He was one of the most dominant heavyweight champions of all time. He was also a pioneer for African-American boxers. He was one of the first African-American boxers to be accepted by the mainstream media.
Holmes's legacy is secure. He is one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time. He is also a role model for African-American boxers everywhere.